Update: 06/2021
This tax incentive appears to have expired at this time. We’ll update this post if we get any news of the incentive being reinstated.
With the summer months upon us, homeowners begin to look at energy-efficient methods to reduce solar gain and increase interior comfort. Installing window films is a smart way to achieve all of the above and benefit from Uncle Sam’s tax incentives for energy-efficient window films.
Choose Window Films That Qualify For Tax Incentives
Not all window films qualify, so make sure that you work with a licensed Bay Area window film installer to ensure you choose the right products. If so, you can get as much as $500 back!
According to the IRS:
You may be able to take this credit by completing and attaching Form 5695 for any of the following improvements to your main home located in the United States in 2015 if they are new and meet certain requirements for energy efficiency.
- Any insulation material or system primarily designed to reduce heat gain or loss in your home.
- Exterior windows (including skylights).
- Exterior doors.
- A metal roof or asphalt roof with pigmented coatings or cooling granules primarily designed to reduce the heat gain in your home.
You also may be able to take this credit for the cost of the following items if the items meet certain performance and quality standards.
- Certain electric heat pump water heaters, electric heat pumps, central air conditioners, and natural gas, propane, or oil water heaters.
- A qualified furnace or hot water boiler that uses natural gas, propane, or oil.
- A stove that burns biomass fuel to heat your home or to heat water for use in your home.
- An advanced main air circulating fan used in a natural gas, propane, or oil furnace.
Fortunately, certain window film products meet the criteria for the first bullet point, “any insulation material or system primarily designed to reduce solar heat gain in your home.”
In order to get the credit, taxpayers must file a completed Form 5695. The window film must be in use for at least five years after installation, and the product must meet certain, US.gov energy efficiency guidelines. Your window film installer or tax professional can support you as you make the right selections and get your paperwork in order.
The window film products most likely to qualify for up to $500 in tax credits include tinted window film products and films specifically designed to reduce solar heat gain, which lowers cooling expenses.
Consider Tinted Window Films
Tinted window film helps to reduce the amount of UV light that enters your home or office, keeping your building interiors cooler during the warmer months. Tinted window films are also a favorite for homeowners or businesses that enjoy a bit of privacy. The dark or reflective films can be selected for semi-transparency or zero-transparency so you can see out – but others can’t see in.
Read The Science Behind Window Tinting to learn more about how tinted and insulated window film works. If you aren’t a fan of tinted or reflective film, no worries! Innovations in window film production mean home and business owners can enjoy the benefits of UV-blocking window film without changing the building’s appearance.
No Need To Change Your Home’s Appearance
Energy-efficient window films are available for every architectural style. There’s no need to add dark or reflective films if you don’t want to. Two of the most window film products that won’t change your building’s appearance include ceramic and carbon options.
Using micro-ceramic or carbon particles, window film manufacturers have figured out how to block upwards of 99% of UV rays without the need for darker or reflective tinting. You can learn more by reading our post, Ceramic vs Carbon Window film.
Optimize Your Window Film Investment With Tax Incentives
As long as you’re installing energy-efficient window film products, we recommend considering products that offer additional advantages. For example, some of our qualifying window film products offer extra benefits such as:
- Protection from sun fading for art and furnishings
- Soundproofing
- Daytime privacy
- Nighttime privacy
- Relief from migraines
- Increased security and shatter-proofing
Call Us For More Information
The team here at Daystar Window Tinting has installed energy-efficient window film for Bay Area residents for more than 40 years. Let us help you get the most from your investment by installing high-quality, life-improving window films that also give you money back.
